Police seek three suspects in robbery, brutal beating of Chicago Film Office director

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police want the public to see video showing a brutal attack on the director of the Chicago Film Office last week.

Kwame Amoaku was attacked this past Wednesday morning in the 2100 block of West 22nd Place in the Heart of Chicago community.

Amoaku, 51, was out of the hospital Monday night, but has not returned to work since the attack. CBS 2's Marissa Perlman spoke with him at outside his home Monday – he did not want to appear on camera.

Amoaku's arm remains in a sling and he has a bump to his head. His advice for this community is "be safe," as police hope the public can track down those responsible.

The attack happened in broad daylight Wednesday morning. Police said the Chicago Film Office director approached three teens pilfering inside his car.

Video showed Amoaku as he confronted the intruders. They immediately attacked.

The teens might have used baseball bats and a skateboard as a weapon, according to dispatch audio. Amoaku was left beaten with, head trauma and a broken arm.

Scanner traffic from that morning indicated that Amoaku was hit in the back of the head and was left in serious condition.

The attackers took Amoaku's phone, wallet, and car. Police said they fled in a gray Dodge minivan.

After the attack, Amoaku was taken to the ICU, where he posted a photo in a neck brace on his Facebook page.

 "This a.m. I was attacked beaten and my car stolen by three kids. Thanks to all who have reached out. I'm in the ICU I'm going to be ok," he wrote.

Police late Monday were looking for the three teenage suspects. They were caught on surveillance cameras at North Riverside Mall going on a shopping spree just hours after the attack and robbery.

The teens are all wearing masks as they are seen entering the House of Hoops store at the mall. Each of the three suspects leaves the store with their hands full of shopping bags, and they walk out through the mall garage.

Police are asking for your help in identifying the teenagers, who left a respected city leader bloodied and beaten.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Amoaku to lead the city's Film Office in July 2019. The Department of Cultural Affairs and the Film Office said they cannot comment on this "personal matter."

Anyone with information is asked to call Area Four detectives at (312) 746-8251. Anonymous tips may be made at CPDTIP.com. You should not approach the suspects directly if you do spot them.

Meanwhile, a Meal Train fundraiser has been set up for Amoaku as he recovers, as he has been unable to care for himself.